Photo: Randrianarimanana / CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Malagasy Pond Heron
Ardeola idae
Malagasy Pond Heron (Ardeola idae) — Herons, Pelicans & Ibises of Africa.
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The Malagasy Pond Heron (Ardeola idae) is a member of the Ardeidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 253 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Endangered.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Pelecaniformes
- Family Ardeidae Herons, Bitterns
- Genus Ardeola
- Species idae
Quick facts
- Weight
- 253 g
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Ardeidae
- Order
- Pelecaniformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
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Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Malagasy Pond Heron hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Malagasy Pond Heron is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Malagasy Pond Heron (Ardeola idae) is a member of the Ardeidae family, within the order Pelecaniformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF Madagascar and Aldabra I.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 253 g, with a wing length of about 22.7 cm and a tail of around 8.9 cm.
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 552,000 km².
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Malagasy Pond Heron?
The Malagasy Pond Heron is a large bird that weighs around 253 g.
Where does the Malagasy Pond Heron live?
The Malagasy Pond Heron is found across Africa with a range covering AF Madagascar and Aldabra I, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Malagasy Pond Heron belong to?
The Malagasy Pond Heron (Ardeola idae) belongs to the Ardeidae family, in the order Pelecaniformes.
What does the Malagasy Pond Heron eat?
The Malagasy Pond Heron hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Malagasy Pond Heron migrate?
The Malagasy Pond Heron is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Malagasy Pond Heron endangered?
It is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Endangered species face a very high risk of extinction in the wild.
How large is the Malagasy Pond Heron's range?
The Malagasy Pond Heron has a mapped global range of about 552,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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